Day 1: Arrival in Cebu
Morning (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
- Arrive at Mactan-Cebu International Airport, which is the main gateway to Cebu.
- Take a transfer to your hotel. A great option is Radisson Blu Cebu which offers comfort near the city center.
- Check-in and get settled into your room. You can expect the cost to be around 5,000 PHP or 100 USD per night, giving you a good balance of price and quality.
- Start your day with breakfast at The Lounge in the hotel. A nutritious breakfast would cost about 500 PHP, or roughly 10 USD.
Afternoon (12:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
- Head to Magellan’s Cross, which is a significant historical landmark in Cebu. There’s no entry fee, so it’s a good way to learn about local history.
- After that, explore Basilica del Santo Niño. It’s the oldest Roman Catholic church in the Philippines, and visitor entry is also free.
- Have lunch at Casa Verde, famous for its hearty meals. Lunch typically costs around 700 PHP or about 14 USD.
- Take a stroll down Colon Street, the oldest street in the Philippines, and soak in its rich history and vibrant streetscape.
Evening (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
- Dine at La Vie Parisienne, a charming French bistro. Expect to pay about 800 PHP or 16 USD for a lovely meal.
- After dinner, you can either relax at your hotel or head to SM Seaside City Cebu. This mall is perfect for shopping and entertainment options.
- Wrap up your day with a nightcap at The Distillery to enjoy some drinks, which will cost approximately 600 PHP or 12 USD.
Day 2: Southern Cebu Exploration
Morning (7:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
- Start your day with an early breakfast at the hotel. This is generally included in your stay.
- Get ready for an adventure as you head to Oslob for whale shark watching. This experience has a cost of around 3,000 PHP or 60 USD.
- You’ll get the chance to swim with whale sharks. Ensure you adhere to the guidelines, as they are essential for protecting these magnificent creatures.
- After swimming, freshen up at a nearby beach. A shower usually costs around 500 PHP or 10 USD.
Afternoon (12:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
- Enjoy lunch at A&R’s Grill, where meals typically cost about 400 PHP or 8 USD.
- Visit Tumalog Falls after lunch. The entrance fee is minimal, around 20 PHP or 0.40 USD.
- Take time to appreciate the stunning scenery and don’t forget to snap some photos for memories.
- As the evening approaches, head back to Cebu City.
Evening (7:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
- Dine at Chika-an sa Cebu. Expect to pay around 700 PHP or 14 USD for a delicious meal featuring local flavors.
- Checkout Sky Experience Adventure which offers breathtaking views of the city. This fun experience will cost about 1,200 PHP or 24 USD.
- Head back to your hotel or take a leisurely stroll around the nearby night market to sample local snacks.
Day 3: Island Hopping Adventure
Morning (6:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
- Enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel; it’s usually included in what you paid for your stay.
- Set out on a boat trip to Malapascua Island for an unforgettable diving or snorkeling experience, costing you around 2,500 PHP or 50 USD for the day.
- This beautiful island is known for stunning white sand beaches where you can relax or swim.
- Don’t miss trying local snacks from beach vendors, which should be about 200 PHP or 4 USD.
Afternoon (12:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
- Stop for lunch at Angel’s Diner on Malapascua Island, where a meal will cost around 600 PHP or 12 USD.
- Either continue diving or simply relax on the stunning beach.
- If you’re up for it, take a boat ride to Kalanggaman Island. The cost for this ride is approximately 1,000 PHP or 20 USD.
- Spend your afternoon swimming in the crystal-clear waters; it is like paradise.
Evening (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
- Return to Cebu City and freshen up a bit after the day in the sun.
- Savor dinner at Tavolata, with costs around 900 PHP or 18 USD for a delightful meal.
- If you’re interested, attend a cultural show at the hotel or nearby to immerse yourself more in Cebuano culture.
Day 4: Cultural Day in Cebu
Morning (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
- Start your day with breakfast at Café Georg, where a good meal will cost about 500 PHP or 10 USD.
- Next, visit Fort San Pedro. The entrance fee is minimal, at 30 PHP or about 0.60 USD.
- Take a walk around Cebu Provincial Capitol to enjoy its beautiful architecture and the surrounding area.
- Don’t miss the Cebu Taoist Temple, which is free to enter and offers a peek into the city’s diverse cultural heritage.
Afternoon (12:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
- For lunch, try Gerry’s Grill. Meals here typically cost around 700 PHP or 14 USD.
- Explore the Cebu Heritage Monument to learn about Cebu’s rich history.
- Visit the Cathedral Museum where you can see local crafts; the entry fee is about 50 PHP or 1 USD.
- Lastly, grab some souvenirs at the Carbon Market to take a piece of Cebu home with you.
Evening (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
- Dine at Zubuchon, known for its famous Cebu lechon, with dinner costing around 800 PHP or 16 USD.
- After dinner, enjoy a leisurely walk through Cebu IT Park to observe the lively atmosphere.
- End your day with a treat from Gelatissimo. Dessert will cost you about 300 PHP or 6 USD.
Day 5: Adventure and Nature
Morning (7:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
- Enjoy breakfast at the hotel as it’s usually included with your stay.
- Today, you’ll head to Canlaon Valley for some trekking. The round trip transportation might cost around 1,500 PHP or 30 USD.
- As you trek through the valley, take in the scenic views. There’s no entry fee, so enjoy the natural beauty at no additional cost.
- Pack a lunch from the hotel for a delightful picnic, estimating the cost to be around 200 PHP or 4 USD.
Afternoon (12:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
- Continue your exploration of the picturesque views and lush landscapes nearby.
- Head back to Cebu City in the late afternoon to rest.
- Grab a quick snack at a nearby café, costing about 300 PHP or 6 USD.
- Take some time to relax at your hotel before dinner.
Evening (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
- For dinner, you can explore multiple options at Ayala Center Cebu. Expect to spend an average of around 600 PHP or 12 USD.
- After dinner, walk around the mall for shopping and various entertainment choices.
- You could also try local craft beers at Craft Society, with drinks costing around 500 PHP or 10 USD.
Day 6: Bantayan Island Dream
Morning (6:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
- Breakfast at the hotel is usually included, so enjoy a hearty meal.
- Next, depart for Bantayan Island by boat. The boat fare is about 1,200 PHP or 24 USD.
- Once you arrive, check in at Marlin’s Beach Resort. The cost here will be around 3,500 PHP or 70 USD per night.
- After checking in, take some time to relax and enjoy the beachfront.
Afternoon (12:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
- Have lunch at Sharky’s Restaurant, where a meal costs around 700 PHP or 14 USD.
- Take your time visiting Saint Peter and Paul Church, which is free to enter and quite beautiful.
- For nature lovers, spend some time at Candaba Marsh, a perfect spot for birdwatching.
- Relax on the beach afterward, cooling off in the water or soaking up the sun.
Evening (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
- Dine at Ogtong Cave Resort, where meals cost around 800 PHP or 16 USD.
- If available, enjoy a bonfire on the beach, which is a lovely way to unwind.
- Take a moment to enjoy stargazing on the beach as you end your day in paradise.
Day 7: Relaxation and Departure
Morning (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
- Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the resort; breakfast is included in your package.
- Take some time this morning for a swim or simply relax at the beach before check-out.
- Prepare for departure by packing your belongings and checking out of the resort.
- Take a transfer back to Mactan-Cebu International Airport, which costs about 1,500 PHP or 30 USD.
Afternoon (12:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
- When at the airport, take advantage of any last-minute shopping for souvenirs to remember your trip.
- Have lunch at the airport before your flight; this will roughly cost around 600 PHP or 12 USD.
- Make sure to check in for your flight back home after enjoying your last moments in Cebu.
Evening (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
- Departure from Cebu to your next destination, taking back wonderful memories of your trip.
Summary of Costs
- Accommodation for 7 nights is approximately 35,000 PHP or 700 USD, which offers you a comfortable stay.
- Food for the entire week will be around 11,000 PHP or 220 USD, providing you with plenty of delicious dining options.
- Transportation, including boat rides and transfers, will cost about 6,000 PHP or 120 USD, making it easy to get around.
- The total for activities and entrance fees is estimated at around 10,000 PHP or 200 USD, allowing you to partake in exciting experiences.
Total Estimated Cost: 62,000 PHP / 1,240 USD
Recommendations and Tips
- It’s a good idea to book your accommodations ahead of time, especially if you are planning to visit during the peak travel season.
- When using taxi or van services, always negotiate and confirm the prices beforehand to avoid misunderstandings.
- Be sure to bring sunscreen and swimwear along, as many of your activities will be outdoors and by the beach.
- Respecting local customs and traditions is important, especially when visiting churches or other religious sites.
FAQ
- What is the best time to visit Cebu? The best time for visiting Cebu is during the dry season, which is from December to May, when the weather is more pleasant.
- Is it safe to travel alone in Cebu? Yes, traveling alone in Cebu can be safe, but it’s important to remain vigilant and avoid walking in isolated areas after dark.
- What currency is used in Cebu? The local currency in Cebu is the Philippine Peso (PHP).
- Can I use credit cards everywhere? Many places accept credit cards, but it’s advisable to carry cash for small purchases or at local eateries.
- How can I communicate if I don’t speak Filipino? English is widely spoken in Cebu, so you shouldn’t face communication problems.
